Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Midland County, Texas
Midland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,794 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,407 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,794
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% more than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,407
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Texas
- Wage needed
- $34.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $71,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Midland County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Midland County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,407, more than any of its 5 neighboring counties; next is Ector County ($1,259).
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At $92,874, Midland County ranks 17th among the 250 counties in Texas with this figure for the highest typical household income.
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At $1,407, Midland County ranks 21st among the 240 counties in Texas with this figure for the highest typical rent.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Midland County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Midland County was $1,570 a month in September 2026: 1.5% less than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,335 | $25.67 | $53,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,408 | $27.08 | $56,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,794 | $34.50 | $71,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,223 | $42.75 | $88,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,401 | $46.17 | $96,040 |
HUD area: Midland, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 9 ZIP codes in Midland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,630 in 79706 to $1,910 in 79703. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,794).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 79701 | Midland, TX | $1,290 | $1,320 | $1,680 | $2,080 | $2,410 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79703 | Midland, TX | $1,440 | $1,500 | $1,910 | $2,370 | $2,680 |
| 79706 | Glasscock County, TX | $1,290 | $1,310 | $1,630 | $2,060 | $2,410 |
| 79706 | Midland, TX | $1,290 | $1,310 | $1,630 | $2,060 | $2,410 |
| 79706 | Upton County, TX | $1,290 | $1,310 | $1,630 | $2,060 | $2,410 |
| 79707 | Midland, TX | $1,340 | $1,410 | $1,800 | $2,230 | $2,410 |
| 79707 | Odessa, TX | $1,340 | $1,410 | $1,800 | $2,230 | $2,410 |
| 79765 | Midland, TX | $1,360 | $1,450 | $1,800 | $2,170 | $2,450 |
| 79765 | Odessa, TX | $1,360 | $1,450 | $1,800 | $2,170 | $2,450 |
- 79701 · Midland, TX $1,680$2,080
- 79703 · Midland, TX $1,910$2,370
- 79706 · Glasscock County, TX $1,630$2,060
- 79706 · Midland, TX $1,630$2,060
- 79706 · Upton County, TX $1,630$2,060
- 79707 · Midland, TX $1,800$2,230
- 79707 · Odessa, TX $1,800$2,230
- 79765 · Midland, TX $1,800$2,170
- 79765 · Odessa, TX $1,800$2,170
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Midland County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
21,902 households rent in Midland County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Midland 49%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Midland County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Midland County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
2,657 homes in all; 2,281 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Scharbauer Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 N Fairgrounds Rd, Midland 79705 300 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Palladium at West Francis Tax credit (LIHTC) 1707 W Francis Ave, Midland 79701 240 homes, 217 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Compass Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1509 Wayside Dr, Midland 79701 206 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Ventura at Tradewinds Tax credit (LIHTC) 1811 Tradewinds Blvd, Midland 79706 204 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Park Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 Camp Dr, Midland 79701 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1999
- Santa Rita Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 E Golf Course Rd, Midland 79701 136 low-income homes · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Constellation Ranch Tax credit (LIHTC) 1301 Latta St, Midland 79701 136 homes, 130 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 48
- Chaparral Apts HUD-assisted 4201 N Garfield St, Midland 79705 124 low-income homes · For families · (432) 683-2748
- Sterling Springs Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1701 N Fairgrounds Rd, Midland 79706 120 homes, 114 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2005
- Merritt Sunset Tax credit (LIHTC) Nec & NWC Beal Pkwy. and Thomason DR., Midland 79703 149 homes, 109 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hillcrest Manor Public housing 700 W Scharbauer Dr, Midland 79705 100 homes, 97 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Midland · Average payment: $352 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (432) 682-0011
- Gateway Plaza Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1701 Tradewinds Blvd, Midland 79706 96 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Playa del Pueblo Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 E Interstate 20, Midland 79701 96 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Langtry Village HUD-assisted 2200 N Pecos St, Midland 79705 85 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Westridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 5200 Graceland Dr, Midland 79703 96 homes, 84 low-income · In service since 2015
- Merritt Monument Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 Beal Pkwy, Midland 79703 104 homes, 83 low-income · Studio: 7 · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 12 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Midland Parker Place HUD-assisted 508 E Parker Ave, Midland 79701 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (432) 570-6694
- THF Palladium Midland Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 S Lamesa Rd, Midland 79701 264 homes · In service since 2016
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Midland County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Midland County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,900 | $38,150 | $61,000 |
| 2 people | $26,150 | $43,600 | $69,700 |
| 3 people | $29,400 | $49,050 | $78,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,450 | $87,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,850 | $94,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $63,200 | $101,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $67,550 | $108,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $71,900 | $115,000 |
Area median income: $108,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Midland, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,202 – $1,469
- 1 bedroom $1,267 – $1,549
- 2 bedrooms $1,615 – $1,973
- 3 bedrooms $2,001 – $2,445
- 4 bedrooms $2,161 – $2,641
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Midland County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 503 vouchers (432) 570-4753 Midland County Housing Authority: jcastaneda@mcha2.org
- Housing Authority of Midland Public housing · 97 public housing units (432) 682-0011 Housing Authority of Midland: tthompson@comha.org
Housing agencies in Texas Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Texas
What Texas law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Tex. Prop. Code §92.103(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Tex. Prop. Code §24.005(a)
- Only a court order can remove youTex. Prop. Code §92.0081(b)
- Protection from retaliationTex. Prop. Code §92.331
- Repair and deduct from the rentTex. Prop. Code §92.0561(a)-(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Midland County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Midland County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Midland Community Development Corp
208 S Marienfeld St, Midland · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Midland County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Run by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Texas program, funded by LIHEAP, that helps low-income households pay for electricity and gas, through local agencies in each county
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Midland County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Texas, the average home bill was $164 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,588
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,794
- Security deposit
- $1,794
- Total
- $3,588
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Midland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,335; 1 bedroom: $1,408; 2 bedrooms: $1,794; 3 bedrooms: $2,223; 4 bedrooms: $2,401. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Midland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,794) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.50 an hour full time, or $71,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Midland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,450 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Midland County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,615 and $1,973 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Midland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,630 in 79706 to $1,910 in 79703. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Midland County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Midland County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Midland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Midland County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).